New Zealand Resorts Re-Open as Snow Returns

27th June 2023

Last modified on July 3rd, 2023

Some snow has fallen and resorts are re-opening. The NZ season started well but high temperatures and rain took their toll. It’s better in Australia, with South America looking good. UPDATED

UPDATED, Monday 3rd July

Some New Zealand ski resorts have managed to re-open:

Coronet Peak

Mt Hutt

Treble Cone is set to open within the next 24-hours.

We’ll be updating shortly so do check back…

Saturday 1st July

It’s the news local skiers and snowboarders have all been waiting for.

Here’s the latest from Mt Hutt.

Coronet Peak is also planning to fire up some lifts shortly.

However some areas, including Treble Cone, are still struggling are as they are unable to open.

Thursday 29th June:

At last the temperatures have fallen and some snow is coming down.

Cardrona and The Remarkables are the only main resorts currently open.

Elsewhere it is not so good, but there is hope.

Some light snowfall and colder weather at last in New Zealand. Only @cardronanz (pictured with white out this morning) and @TheRemarks currently open. @trebleconenz aiming to open on Monday if the snow gods produce the goods over the next few days as hoped… pic.twitter.com/vObH81UYfA
— Snow Forecast.com (@SnowForecast) June 29, 2023

Resorts are putting on a brave face but in the South Island, home to the major ski areas, it has not been good news.

“Not the start anyone hoped for in 2023,” said Mt Hutt that is celebrating its 50th birthday this season.

The resort said the thin snowpack had taken ‘a real hiding’ and it has closed until conditions improve.

Mt Hutt is hoping to open on Sunday.

“We will still need a few days snow making to lock in the trails. But with cold temps in the forecast, we are looking good for a Sunday 2nd re-opening,” said the resort.

Treble Cone is planning to open on Monday.

“We’re assessing conditions but pushing hard to open on Monday,” said the resort in a statement.

“There’s cold temperatures incoming this weekend, and the team will be up here with snow guns blazing.

“Snow is in the forecast, so they should get a hand from nature too.

“Treble Cone will make its final decision on Sunday.

Cornet Peak remains closed.

It’s a similar picture elsewhere in New Zealand, though there are now signs for some optimism with some snow in the forecast.

It’s a better picture for the ski resorts in Australia.

Things got off to a poor start in early June as the season began with some resorts unable to open their slopes.